Iran envoy signals ‘cautious optimism’ as Pakistan-backed diplomacy gains momentum

• Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam hails Pakistan’s mediation efforts for regional peace

• Says breakthrough possible if all sides remain committed to negotiations

• US signals ‘getting closer’ to deal amid ongoing diplomatic engagement

 ISLAMABAD: The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Pakistan on Saturday expressed cautious optimism that ongoing diplomatic efforts could lead to lasting peace in the region, while lauding Pakistan’s leadership role in facilitating mediation amid continuing regional negotiations.

In a post on X, Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam said Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi had congratulated him on the progress made during recent talks with Iranian officials following his return from Tehran.

A few minutes ago, the Honorable Pakistani Minister of Interior, my dear brother H.E. Mohsin Naqvi, congratulated me on the achievements of the negotiations with the officials of my country after returning from Tehran.
With conservative optimism, we can hope that, if the other…

— Reza Amiri Moghadam (@IranAmbPak) May 23, 2026

The ambassador described the current atmosphere as one of “cautious optimism,” adding that a meaningful breakthrough could be possible if all parties remained committed to the diplomatic process.

“With cautious optimism, we can hope that, if the other side is adequately committed, a positive stride is taking shape which is the result of the positions of the Islamic Republic of Iran based on dignity, the steadfastness of the courageous armed forces and the resistance of the brave Iranian nation, as well as the initiative and dedicated endeavours of the Pakistani mediator,” he said.

He further acknowledged Pakistan’s role, crediting both political and military leadership for actively supporting mediation efforts aimed at de-escalation and regional stability.

Ambassador Moghadam’s remarks came amid renewed international diplomatic signals, including comments by US President Donald Trump, who said negotiators from the United States and Iran were “getting a lot closer” to finalising an agreement aimed at ending the conflict, according to an interview with CBS News.

He added that any final agreement would ensure Iran does not acquire a nuclear weapon and that its enriched uranium would be “satisfactorily handled,” according to the report. Trump was quoted as saying, “I will only sign a deal where we get everything we want.”

Iran, the United States, and mediator Pakistan have all indicated that progress has been made in recent discussions aimed at ending nearly three months of hostilities.

According to sources, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Field Marshal Asim Munir is expected to join Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in the coming days, who is currently on an official visit to China, to review the outcomes of his recent engagements with Chinese leadership.

The conflict escalated after strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28, which reportedly killed Iran’s top leadership, followed by retaliatory attacks from Tehran targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf, as well as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Hostilities were halted on April 8 after Pakistan helped broker a ceasefire, though subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to produce a durable agreement. Former US President Donald Trump later extended the truce indefinitely.

Since then, both sides have continued exchanging proposals and counter-proposals in an effort to resume direct negotiations and achieve a lasting settlement.

Diplomatic momentum appears to have strengthened in recent days, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating on Friday that there had been “some progress” in the ongoing efforts.